Smoke Alarm Makes a Difference for Bethesda Family

Montgomery County, MD - - Montgomery County Fire and Rescue was dispatched shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday to the 5800 block of Kingswood Road in Bethesda for the report of a house fire. First arriving units reported heavy smoke from the second floor of the single family home with fire extended into the attic and requested additional units. The home’s occupants had evacuated after being alerted to the fire by the home’s smoke alarms.

The fire was extinguished a short time later and one firefighter received minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Montgomery County Fire Investigators were requested to the scene to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Investigators confirm that the fire originated on the second floor of the residence and have listed the fire as accidental.

Firefighters were ultimately able to locate, chase and retrieve the family’s cat who was hiding in the basement. Damage estimates to the home are $500,000 to the structure and $250,000 to contents. Four adults, one child and a cat were displaced by the fire.

“This incident serves as a reminder of just how important smoke alarms are. Had the smoke alarms not been working, we would be reporting on a much more serious fire,” said Fire Chief Lohr. “We know unequivocally that the early warning provided by smoke alarms translates into saved lives and I urge all residents to ensure that their smoke alarms are working.”